Terengganu RTD Uncovers Trend Of Hiring Teens As Commercial Lorry Drivers

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Road Transport Department (RTD) has detected a recent trend of some commercial vehicle operators hiring underage drivers.

State director Mohd Zamri Samion said that during a special operation last night, a 16-year-old boy was arrested for driving a commercial vehicle without a licence on Jalan Tok Adis-Cendering.

He said both the driver and the lorry attendant were confirmed to be underage.

"The lorry, which was carrying coconut shells, was en route from Kuala Terengganu to Marang. We believe the owner hired an underage driver to cut operational costs.

"This is highly risky and endangers both the driver and other motorists. We have issued a summons and impounded the vehicle," he said during Ops Khas Gempur at the Gemuruh Toll here last night.

Meanwhile, Mohd Zamri reported that action was taken against 603 public service vehicles (PSVs) and goods vehicles during the RTD’s special commercial vehicle operation between Sept 1 and 24. 

This follows inspections of 5,315 vehicles, including express buses, tour buses, lorries, hire cars and e-hailing vehicles.

The violations detected included expired PSV driving licences, overloading of goods, expired insurance coverage, failure to obey traffic lights, and expired Goods Driving Licences.

"In addition, 11 vehicles were impounded, 144 were ordered to undergo weighing, and 12 others were issued with various other notices.

"The Terengganu RTD will continue to intensify operations targeting commercial vehicles to ensure full compliance with regulations, thereby reducing accident and fatality rates," he said.

-- BERNAMA